Hotel plan sparks greenbelt worries
Campaign group’s concern over impact on landscape
A new campaign group has claimed a Perthshire golf resort’s ambitious expansion plans will have a “devastating impact” on the surrounding area if they are approved in their current form.
The owners of Murrayshall Country House Hotel near Scone sent a planning application to the local authority in March, seeking permission to add another 50 rooms and create a new golf academy and driving range.
Bosses also want to build as many as 50 new homes within the hotel’s grounds and put 40 self-catering lodges close to the main building as well as 25 tree houses or glamping pods in an area to be accessed from Balcraig Road.
However the application has already drawn nearly 40 objections from locals concerned about the size of the proposed expansion and the impact building works will have on the countryside and the wildlife living within it.
Now a new group calling itself ‘Save Murrayshall Greenbelt’ is urging more residents to make representations to the application being passed to ensure planners get the message people want to see the greenbelt protected.
A spokesperson from the group told the PA: “The deadline for objections is fast approaching so we are doing all we can to ensure everyone who is a regular visitor to the Murrayshall area is fully aware of the devastating impact the proposed developments will have should they be given the green light.
“We are not opposed to improving the hotel or their ambition to make it a destination resort, however, this must not be at any cost.
“Improvements have to be sympathetic, taking into account the need to protect the natural environment along with the interests and wellbeing of existing residents so everyone can continue to enjoy this area.”
The spokesperson went on to claim the proposed new housing would put “increased strain” on nearby GP practices and the Robert Douglas Memorial School as well as additional pressure on local road infrastructure.
They added: “However, most concerning to the Save Murrayshall Greenbelt group is that the proposed development is not in keeping with its rural surroundings and will have a significant impact on this area of outstanding natural beauty.
“The ecological impact of the developments and the loss of golf courses cannot be ignored with the potential destruction of large belts of trees and the loss of the flora and fauna within these woodland areas.
“This will see the loss of the natural habitats and endanger wildlife including red squirrels, nesting buzzards and roe deer.
“The proposed building developments will also affect the character of the area which is known for its spectacular landscape which can be seen and enjoyed from popular local viewpoints the historic LyneDoch Obelisk and McDuff ’s Monument.”
The spokesperson concluded: “The Sidlaws are a very special place - a jewel for us all to enjoy on the outskirts of Perth.
“Once built upon, this important green belt land will be lost for ever and we need to protect this environment for future generations.”
Murrayshall Country House Hotel general manager Gary Silcock said yesterday the establishment’s owners are simply trying to match customer expectations of what a modern fourstar hotel should offer by adding new accomodation and extra leisure pursuits.
“We’re just trying to keep up with customers expectations and enhance our offer to visitors as well as the people of Perth,” he said. “The residential [properties] will make the whole project commercially viable.”
Nigel Rudd Ecology has also previously said in supporting documents local habitats which would be affected by the proposals “are of low value” and their loss would have “no significant impact on biodiversity”.
The application is still open to further comments from the public before a decision is made.